Slamming the door shut on rogue traders

POLICE and council bosses have launched a campaign to slam the door in the face of bogus officials and rogue traders. Officers and Trading Standards officials visited Alkrington’s no cold calling zone on Moss Lane to raise awareness of Operation Yukon – a day of action targeting criminals who pose as officials from energy providers, the council or other organisations to gain access to homes to steal valuables.

POLICE and council bosses have launched a campaign to slam the door in the face of bogus officials and rogue traders.

Officers and Trading Standards officials visited Alkrington’s no cold calling zone on Moss Lane to raise awareness of Operation Yukon – a day of action targeting criminals who pose as officials from energy providers, the council or other organisations to gain access to homes to steal valuables.

There was a 31 per cent decrease in the number of distraction burglaries across Greater Manchester in three months between April and June this year compared to the same period last year, but police are encouraging older and vulnerable residents to remain vigilant.

Detective Superintendent Patrick McKelvey, who is leading Operation Yukon, said: "Incidents of distraction burglary have reduced significantly across Greater Manchester over the past few years, but during the summer months we typically tend to see an increase.

"The day of action targets offenders of this distressing crime and raises awareness of the tactics they use to gain entry into people’s homes.

"Older and other vulnerable people can fall victim to callers that bluff their way into the home to steal valuables. Even groups of people that are generally trusted such as the clergy, council workers and charity workers should always be asked for proof of identity.

"Our advice is simple – ‘if in doubt-keep them out’ and don’t be pressurised into buying anything from cold callers."

Crime prevention events and activities, including theatre workshops highlighting tactics used by bogus officials, took place across Greater Manchester last week as part of Operation Yukon.

Police are also using cameras in and around the homes of vulnerable residents to assist in identifying offenders.

Andrew Glover, from Trading Standards, said: "It is important that people report any incidents or suspicions they have about doorstep callers in their area to Trading Standards or the police as we take this matter very seriously.

"Trading Standards services work hard to support victims, whether by offering a rapid response to complaints or training key community workers."